Why in the News?

The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

About Exercise SIMBEX:

	Details
History	Initially known as Exercise Lion King. The exercise has been held annually since 1994.
Evolution	Progressed from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare.
Objectives	• Strengthen strategic partnership between India and Singapore • Enhance interoperability and maritime domain awareness • Foster cooperation to tackle shared maritime challenges.
Phases	Harbour Phase: • Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) for knowledge sharing • Cross-deck visits and sports fixtures • Pre-sail briefings between both navies Sea Phase: • Advanced naval drills including live weapon firings • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training • Anti-surface and anti-air operations • Seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
Significance	SIMBEX-2019 was conducted in the South China Sea and involved various maritime combat exercises. Recognized as the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India conducts with any other country (Indian High Commission statement, 2019).

[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 4

(d) 2, 3 and 4